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Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 9:40 am
by grouch
Ali's Choice wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:Why pick a number 8 or hooker as ball runner rather than a 6? It seems rather arbitrary?
Not really. One of the best opportunities to run with the ball or create an attacking play is off the back of the scrum. And that's where the no.8 plays. If a scrum is going forward, it's an amazing attacking opportunity. And if it's going backwards then there is even more need for a strong ball runner at no.8 to nullify this disadvantage.
Akira's your man then !

Except , whether you can see it or not , that's not how the AB"s are playing these days.

When we shorten the lineout , who's positioned between the centres?

Read? No he's a major lineout option.

Cane/Todd/ Savea ?? No they're covering the back of the lineout & ready to defend if the lineout is lost .

It's Squire/Frizzel /tba

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 9:42 am
by FujiKiwi
Ali's Choice wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:Why pick a number 8 or hooker as ball runner rather than a 6? It seems rather arbitrary?
Not really. One of the best opportunities to run with the ball or create an attacking play is off the back of the scrum. And that's where the no.8 plays. If a scrum is going forward, it's an amazing attacking opportunity. And if it's going backwards then there is even more need for a strong ball runner at no.8 to nullify this disadvantage.
From set piece, sure. But a couple of factors indicate it's not just about being at the base of the scrum.

Firstly, it's not just from set piece, but in open play that a designated forward is lurking out on the wing.

Secondly, over the past few years, it hasn't been Kieran Read, but rather a hooker, Coles or Taylor, who seems to have been given that role.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 10:57 am
by Ali's Choice
grouch wrote:
Ali's Choice wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:Why pick a number 8 or hooker as ball runner rather than a 6? It seems rather arbitrary?
Not really. One of the best opportunities to run with the ball or create an attacking play is off the back of the scrum. And that's where the no.8 plays. If a scrum is going forward, it's an amazing attacking opportunity. And if it's going backwards then there is even more need for a strong ball runner at no.8 to nullify this disadvantage.
Akira's your man then !
nope, too lazy.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 12:30 pm
by badmannotinjapan
So, are the ABs getting a new jersey this year?

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 7:12 pm
by Masterji
I am really surprised that Akira has not been selected- i can see him heading abroad soon.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 7:39 pm
by Ali's Choice
Masterji wrote:I am really surprised that Akira has not been selected- i can see him heading abroad soon.
Are you forgetting that Akira Ioane has just signed a multi-year deal with NZR? Throwing a tantrum and leaving the country isn't really an option right now.

People are going on about how unlucky Akira Ioane is, but they need to remember he's only 23 years old. Richie Mo'unga is a year older than Akira Ioane, is just as prodigiously talented, and only got his call-up to the AB's this year. At the same age of their careers as Akira is at now, Richie had already won three provincial titles and a Super Rugby title, yet no-one was suggesting that he leave NZ. Akira Ioane still has the potential to be a 100 test cap All Black if he applies himself fully to his work. He needs to lose a bit of weight, train like a demon over summer and come back in 2019 hungry for success. I think his omission is a master-stroke by Steve Hansen and I expect this will be the making of Akira Ioane as a player.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 8:11 pm
by Masterji
Ali's Choice wrote:
Masterji wrote:I am really surprised that Akira has not been selected- i can see him heading abroad soon.
Are you forgetting that Akira Ioane has just signed a multi-year deal with NZR? Throwing a tantrum and leaving the country isn't really an option right now.

People are going on about how unlucky Akira Ioane is, but they need to remember he's only 23 years old. Richie Mo'unga is a year older than Akira Ioane, is just as prodigiously talented, and only got his call-up to the AB's this year. At the same age of their careers as Akira is at now, Richie had already won three provincial titles and a Super Rugby title, yet no-one was suggesting that he leave NZ. Akira Ioane still has the potential to be a 100 test cap All Black if he applies himself fully to his work. He needs to lose a bit of weight, train like a demon over summer and come back in 2019 hungry for success. I think his omission is a master-stroke by Steve Hansen and I expect this will be the making of Akira Ioane as a player.
As a neutral, i find his power close to the rucks scary. He is one of those people that would improve 10 fold if he played against Ireland on a cold Dublin evening. If nondescript like Luke Whitelock can be given a game, Akira deserves a go.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 8:58 pm
by Ali's Choice
Masterji wrote:
Ali's Choice wrote:
Masterji wrote:I am really surprised that Akira has not been selected- i can see him heading abroad soon.
Are you forgetting that Akira Ioane has just signed a multi-year deal with NZR? Throwing a tantrum and leaving the country isn't really an option right now.

People are going on about how unlucky Akira Ioane is, but they need to remember he's only 23 years old. Richie Mo'unga is a year older than Akira Ioane, is just as prodigiously talented, and only got his call-up to the AB's this year. At the same age of their careers as Akira is at now, Richie had already won three provincial titles and a Super Rugby title, yet no-one was suggesting that he leave NZ. Akira Ioane still has the potential to be a 100 test cap All Black if he applies himself fully to his work. He needs to lose a bit of weight, train like a demon over summer and come back in 2019 hungry for success. I think his omission is a master-stroke by Steve Hansen and I expect this will be the making of Akira Ioane as a player.
As a neutral, i find his power close to the rucks scary. He is one of those people that would improve 10 fold if he played against Ireland on a cold Dublin evening. If nondescript like Luke Whitelock can be given a game, Akira deserves a go.
Laziness is not compatible with being an All Black. Akira needs to decide if he wants t be lazy or if he wants to be a NZ test rugby player. He cannot be both.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 12:41 am
by Flockwitt
Regardless of the reasons if you were to pick a C squad out of those sent on this “All Black” tour you’d have to say it is no great shakes. And still not entirely sold on the rationale for it to the extent they have.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 12:48 am
by FujiKiwi
Flockwitt wrote:Regardless of the reasons if you were to pick a C squad out of those sent on this “All Black” tour you’d have to say it is no great shakes. And still not entirely sold on the rationale for it to the extent they have.
I see a potential flaw in your thinking. I suspect you're comparing this theoretical C squad to a B squad or an A squad, whether from New Zealand or other countries.

A "C squad"'s worth should be judged in comparison to other C squads. I assume a C squad picked from the 51 mega squad would stack up pretty well compared to other nations' C squads.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 12:54 am
by FujiKiwi
I just feel that AC is being far too charitable in his Akira Ioane appraisal.

AC suggests Ioane is just too lazy to be an AB, and this is objectively true.

But it's only part of the story.

Akira Ioane carries on like an idiot. He's always pushing, shoving, jeering, trash talking. He comes across as a complete buffoon.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 12:59 am
by Wilderbeast
FujiKiwi wrote:I just feel that AC is being far too charitable in his Akira Ioane appraisal.

AC suggests Ioane is just too lazy to be an AB, and this is objectively true.

But it's only part of the story.

Akira Ioane carries on like an idiot. He's always pushing, shoving, jeering, trash talking. He comes across as a complete buffoon.
This has more to do with it if anything imo. The coaches would surely back themselves to get Ioane performing for the AB’s on the park.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 1:04 am
by FujiKiwi
Wilderbeast wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:I just feel that AC is being far too charitable in his Akira Ioane appraisal.

AC suggests Ioane is just too lazy to be an AB, and this is objectively true.

But it's only part of the story.

Akira Ioane carries on like an idiot. He's always pushing, shoving, jeering, trash talking. He comes across as a complete buffoon.
This has more to do with it if anything imo. The coaches would surely back themselves to get Ioane performing for the AB’s on the park.
Surely it would be easier to stop Akira mouthing off than to get him fit and charging into the odd ruck. One ultimatum should do it.

It grates on me that Tana or someone hasn't just told Akira to wind his head in. Do the Blues think that his blustering insults and jeers somehow make him a hard man? He is anything but.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 1:20 am
by terangi48
Akira Ioane........

Potential - A+
Physicality - A
Running style - B
Game Nouse - B+
Self Discipline - C
Team member - ??

Never met the guy to know what he is like as a bloke

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 1:21 am
by UncleFB
Wilderbeast wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:I just feel that AC is being far too charitable in his Akira Ioane appraisal.

AC suggests Ioane is just too lazy to be an AB, and this is objectively true.

But it's only part of the story.

Akira Ioane carries on like an idiot. He's always pushing, shoving, jeering, trash talking. He comes across as a complete buffoon.
This has more to do with it if anything imo. The coaches would surely back themselves to get Ioane performing for the AB’s on the park.
We have BBBR doing exactly the same thing, I don't think it's an issue that we think it is.

Hmmm, more evidence for Crazyislanders racism call - you can attack all you want if your last name is Evans and you can be niggly as you want if your last name is Retallick.

Surely the AB coaches are too white ... time to add a brown face to the mix. What's that Tana guy up to these days? He has the mana.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 1:25 am
by UncleFB
terangi48 wrote:Akira Ioane........

Potential - A+
Physicality - A
Running style - B
Game Nouse - B+
Self Discipline - C
Team member - ??

Never met the guy to know what he is like as a bloke
Didn't the Blues players vote him as player of the year?

He's apparently a generous bloke if you're at the bar with him.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 1:43 am
by Waka Nathan
UncleFB wrote:
terangi48 wrote:Akira Ioane........

Potential - A+
Physicality - A
Running style - B
Game Nouse - B+
Self Discipline - C
Team member - ??

Never met the guy to know what he is like as a bloke
Didn't the Blues players vote him as player of the year?

He's apparently a generous bloke if you're at the bar with him.
Akira Ioane: Blues' Most Valuable Player of the season, the players' player of 2018...and played every minute of all 16 matches.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 2:40 am
by FujiKiwi
Waka Nathan wrote:
UncleFB wrote:
terangi48 wrote:Akira Ioane........

Potential - A+
Physicality - A
Running style - B
Game Nouse - B+
Self Discipline - C
Team member - ??

Never met the guy to know what he is like as a bloke
Didn't the Blues players vote him as player of the year?

He's apparently a generous bloke if you're at the bar with him.
Akira Ioane: Blues' Most Valuable Player of the season, the players' player of 2018...and played every minute of all 16 matches.
So he shouts some beers for his mates.

Whether he "played every minute of all 16 matches" depends on your definition of what that means. Many of those minutes were spent loitering around the fringes conserving his energy in the hope of making some impressive yards with the ball in hand against Northland or Manawatu.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 2:45 am
by FujiKiwi
UncleFB wrote:
Wilderbeast wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:I just feel that AC is being far too charitable in his Akira Ioane appraisal.

AC suggests Ioane is just too lazy to be an AB, and this is objectively true.

But it's only part of the story.

Akira Ioane carries on like an idiot. He's always pushing, shoving, jeering, trash talking. He comes across as a complete buffoon.
This has more to do with it if anything imo. The coaches would surely back themselves to get Ioane performing for the AB’s on the park.
We have BBBR doing exactly the same thing, I don't think it's an issue that we think it is.

Hmmm, more evidence for Crazyislanders racism call - you can attack all you want if your last name is Evans and you can be niggly as you want if your last name is Retallick.

Surely the AB coaches are too white ... time to add a brown face to the mix. What's that Tana guy up to these days? He has the mana.
Jesus.

BBBR should wind his head in. I hate it when he engages in any vacuous gloating. But with Akira it's constant, incessant buffoonery. It's a whole different level of dickheadery. To compare him and Retallick is thoroughly disingenuous.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 2:57 am
by UncleFB
FujiKiwi wrote:
UncleFB wrote:
Wilderbeast wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:I just feel that AC is being far too charitable in his Akira Ioane appraisal.

AC suggests Ioane is just too lazy to be an AB, and this is objectively true.

But it's only part of the story.

Akira Ioane carries on like an idiot. He's always pushing, shoving, jeering, trash talking. He comes across as a complete buffoon.
This has more to do with it if anything imo. The coaches would surely back themselves to get Ioane performing for the AB’s on the park.
We have BBBR doing exactly the same thing, I don't think it's an issue that we think it is.

Hmmm, more evidence for Crazyislanders racism call - you can attack all you want if your last name is Evans and you can be niggly as you want if your last name is Retallick.

Surely the AB coaches are too white ... time to add a brown face to the mix. What's that Tana guy up to these days? He has the mana.
Jesus.

BBBR should wind his head in. I hate it when he engages in any vacuous gloating. But with Akira it's constant, incessant buffoonery. It's a whole different level of dickheadery. To compare him and Retallick is thoroughly disingenuous.
1. The bold is a joke ... on the odd chance you're taking it seriously.
2. You're being disingenuous by overstating how much niggle Akira gets involved in (especially when compared with BBBR or Coles for another example). Yeah, we get you don't like Akira, fair enough, but don't attempt to make out the niggle is constant - especially when comparing to BBBR who is a. a legend and b. niggly as fuck all the time.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 2:59 am
by grouch
UncleFB wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:
UncleFB wrote:
Wilderbeast wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:I just feel that AC is being far too charitable in his Akira Ioane appraisal.

AC suggests Ioane is just too lazy to be an AB, and this is objectively true.

But it's only part of the story.

Akira Ioane carries on like an idiot. He's always pushing, shoving, jeering, trash talking. He comes across as a complete buffoon.
This has more to do with it if anything imo. The coaches would surely back themselves to get Ioane performing for the AB’s on the park.
We have BBBR doing exactly the same thing, I don't think it's an issue that we think it is.

Hmmm, more evidence for Crazyislanders racism call - you can attack all you want if your last name is Evans and you can be niggly as you want if your last name is Retallick.

Surely the AB coaches are too white ... time to add a brown face to the mix. What's that Tana guy up to these days? He has the mana.
Jesus.

BBBR should wind his head in. I hate it when he engages in any vacuous gloating. But with Akira it's constant, incessant buffoonery. It's a whole different level of dickheadery. To compare him and Retallick is thoroughly disingenuous.
1. The bold is a joke ... on the odd chance you're taking it seriously.
2. You're being disingenuous by overstating how much niggle Akira gets involved in (especially when compared with BBBR or Coles for another example). Yeah, we get you don't like Akira, fair enough, but don't attempt to make out the niggle is constant - especially when comparing to BBBR who is a. a legend and b. niggly as fuck all the time.
Akira is rank amatuer compared to Coles .

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 3:17 am
by FujiKiwi
Between 1998 and 2002 I coached schoolboy rugby in the North Harbour schools competition.

So many of the lads were talented. Some worked hard. But there was a pervasive culture of wanting to niggle, jeer and taunt the opposition. It wasn't just the boys from our school. It was the other North Harbour schools as well. The first instinct was to get in the face of opposition players.

Another characteristic was to much prefer going up against a weaker team and dominating them, rather than to have to face up to a rival team of similar ability and go toe to toe with them for a hard fought win.

The first successful tackle, break, or scrum win was often the occasion to stand up and jeer the opposing team.

Again, I don't think it was just my school or my teams. I saw it throughout the teams in the Harbour competition.

I and my fellow coaches worked really hard to instill work ethic, respect for the opposition etc, and I know other Harbour school coaches were doing the same, but it wasn't easy.

Somehow, a lack of work ethic, and a preference to be flat track bullies had become pervasive (I hadn't noticed it in Harbour rugby when I was a kid).

When we encountered Auckland teams, it was much the same.

It had absolutely 0% to do with cultural background, because Maori, Polynesian, Pakeha and Asian team members seemed to show the same tendencies.

But in a way, it was ingrained in the Harbour school rugby culture, and from what I saw, the Auckland school rugby culture as well. And I see this in the Blues, and above all, in Akira Ioane. Talent aplenty, but a lack of work ethic and respect.

I say Ioane's flaws are symptomatic of the Blues culture and as a long suffering Blues supporter, I hope and pray all this will change.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 3:19 am
by Waka Nathan
FujiKiwi wrote:Whether he "played every minute of all 16 matches" depends on your definition of what that means.
That means he made more line breaks than any other player in Super Rugby. Second highest in tries scored.
Many of those minutes were spent loitering around the fringes conserving his energy in the hope of making some impressive yards with the ball in hand against Northland or Manawatu.
Are you a bit thick? The Blues did not play Manawatu or Northland.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 3:25 am
by FujiKiwi
Waka Nathan wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:Whether he "played every minute of all 16 matches" depends on your definition of what that means.
That means he made more line breaks than any other player in Super Rugby. Second highest in tries scored.
Many of those minutes were spent loitering around the fringes conserving his energy in the hope of making some impressive yards with the ball in hand against Northland or Manawatu.
Are you a bit thick? The Blues did not play Manawatu or Northland.
You know what I mean.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 3:45 am
by Ali's Choice
UncleFB wrote:1. The bold is a joke ... on the odd chance you're taking it seriously.
2. You're being disingenuous by overstating how much niggle Akira gets involved in (especially when compared with BBBR or Coles for another example). Yeah, we get you don't like Akira, fair enough, but don't attempt to make out the niggle is constant - especially when comparing to BBBR who is a. a legend and b. niggly as fuck all the time.
Akira is the most niggly player in pro NZ rugby. Would you at least concede that much? Go back and watch the 2nd Blues vs Crusaders game this year. From around the 60th minute, every single stoppage in play resulted in Akira Ioane pushing, slapping or grappling with a Crusaders forward. Or slapping their heads if they made an error. This was a game that was still very much in the balance, against an opposing pack filled with All Black players (something Akira presumably aspires to be) yet all he wanted to do what big-note himself and start niggle. Really, really dumb IMO.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 3:56 am
by UncleFB
Ali's Choice wrote:
UncleFB wrote:1. The bold is a joke ... on the odd chance you're taking it seriously.
2. You're being disingenuous by overstating how much niggle Akira gets involved in (especially when compared with BBBR or Coles for another example). Yeah, we get you don't like Akira, fair enough, but don't attempt to make out the niggle is constant - especially when comparing to BBBR who is a. a legend and b. niggly as fuck all the time.
Akira is the most niggly player in pro NZ rugby. Would you at least concede that much? Go back and watch the 2nd Blues vs Crusaders game this year. From around the 60th minute, every single stoppage in play resulted in Akira Ioane pushing, slapping or grappling with a Crusaders forward. Or slapping their heads if they made an error. This was a game that was still very much in the balance, against an opposing pack filled with All Black players (something Akira presumably aspires to be) yet all he wanted to do what big-note himself and start niggle. Really, really dumb IMO.
No, the evidence of the one Blues game you've watched this year doesn't confirm anything (actually, that's a bit harsh, you probably watched the finals match between the Crusaders and Blues too). Watch any game with our best player and you'll see constant niggle.

I'm not saying Akira isn't a niggly bastard, but you lot would have us believe he's the only one while all other NZer players are angels.

Fuji Kiwis objection seems to be his own issues with Harbour school rugby that's he's decided to focus on Akira.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 4:24 am
by FujiKiwi
I'm not being sarcastic or facetious, Uncle FB, but are you related to Akira? Like, are there family ties or links?

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 4:57 am
by Jensrsa
This might have been mentioned already but only 8 of the 51 players are uncapped - Dalton Papali'i, George Bridge, Brett Cameron, Gareth Evans, Bryn Hall, Tyrel Lomax, Reuben O'Neill and Matt Proctor.

So not as "devious" an exercise as portrayed in the OP

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 4:59 am
by FujiKiwi
Jensrsa wrote:This might have been mentioned already but only 8 of the 51 players are uncapped - Dalton Papali'i, George Bridge, Brett Cameron, Gareth Evans, Bryn Hall, Tyrel Lomax, Reuben O'Neill and Matt Proctor.

Sp not as "devious" an exercise as portrayed in the OP
Capping Lomax might be a bit of a cunning move. Keeping him away from those dirty Aussies.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:04 am
by UncleFB
FujiKiwi wrote:I'm not being sarcastic or facetious, Uncle FB, but are you related to Akira? Like, are there family ties or links?
Nope. I actually started taking more of an interest in him during Super rugby when everyone started claiming how lazy he was in comparison to all the other contenders in NZ - so I started checking out the stats and this simply wasn't true.

I'm not being sarcastic or facetious but did he steal your girlfriend? (Ok, I was being sarcastic and facetious).
FujiKiwi wrote:
Jensrsa wrote:This might have been mentioned already but only 8 of the 51 players are uncapped - Dalton Papali'i, George Bridge, Brett Cameron, Gareth Evans, Bryn Hall, Tyrel Lomax, Reuben O'Neill and Matt Proctor.

Sp not as "devious" an exercise as portrayed in the OP
Capping Lomax might be a bit of a cunning move. Keeping him away from those dirty Aussies.
Didn't he turn down an Oz super spot specifically because he doesn't want to play for Oz and wants to play for NZ?

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:06 am
by naki111
Curious how Reuben O'Neill's inclusion fits in with the AB's 'no dickheads' policy. The guy is awfully lucky he's made it this far.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:17 am
by UncleFB
naki111 wrote:Curious how Reuben O'Neill's inclusion fits in with the AB's 'no dickheads' policy. The guy is awfully lucky he's made it this far.
You knew when posting this you'd be required to spill. So spill!

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:25 am
by naki
UncleFB wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:I'm not being sarcastic or facetious, Uncle FB, but are you related to Akira? Like, are there family ties or links?
Nope. I actually started taking more of an interest in him during Super rugby when everyone started claiming how lazy he was in comparison to all the other contenders in NZ - so I started checking out the stats and this simply wasn't true.

I'm not being sarcastic or facetious but did he steal your girlfriend? (Ok, I was being sarcastic and facetious).
FujiKiwi wrote:
Jensrsa wrote:This might have been mentioned already but only 8 of the 51 players are uncapped - Dalton Papali'i, George Bridge, Brett Cameron, Gareth Evans, Bryn Hall, Tyrel Lomax, Reuben O'Neill and Matt Proctor.

Sp not as "devious" an exercise as portrayed in the OP
Capping Lomax might be a bit of a cunning move. Keeping him away from those dirty Aussies.
Didn't he turn down an Oz super spot specifically because he doesn't want to play for Oz and wants to play for NZ?
Lomax is as kiwi as pavlova. Was only born in Australia as his kiwi Dad (who was literally a Kiwi) was playing pro sport there at the time, grew up in NZ, has a kiwi accent, and is Maori. He's a much less problematic cap than, say, Alaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatoa.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:25 am
by Wilderbeast
UncleFB wrote:
naki111 wrote:Curious how Reuben O'Neill's inclusion fits in with the AB's 'no dickheads' policy. The guy is awfully lucky he's made it this far.
You knew when posting this you'd be required to spill. So spill!
Out with it!

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:51 am
by FujiKiwi
UncleFB wrote:
I'm not being sarcastic or facetious but did he steal your girlfriend? (Ok, I was being sarcastic and facetious).
The suggestion that Akira Ioane could steal my girlfriend is deeply disrespectful both to myself and my girlfriend, who has repeatedly assured me that she is saving herself for Dan Carter.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:52 am
by UncleFB
FujiKiwi wrote:
UncleFB wrote:
I'm not being sarcastic or facetious but did he steal your girlfriend? (Ok, I was being sarcastic and facetious).
The suggestion that Akira Ioane could steal my girlfriend is deeply disrespectful both to myself and my girlfriend, who has repeatedly assured me that she is saving herself for Dan Carter.
:lol:

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:54 am
by FujiKiwi
naki wrote:
Lomax is as kiwi as pavlova. Was only born in Australia as his kiwi Dad (who was literally a Kiwi) was playing pro sport there at the time, grew up in NZ, has a kiwi accent, and is Maori. He's a much less problematic cap than, say, Alaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatoa.
Yep, but is he any good? Should he not make the ABs, he might be tempted back into throwing in his lot back in with the Aussies. By capping him now, we prevent that.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 6:00 am
by FujiKiwi
UncleFB wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:
UncleFB wrote:
I'm not being sarcastic or facetious but did he steal your girlfriend? (Ok, I was being sarcastic and facetious).
The suggestion that Akira Ioane could steal my girlfriend is deeply disrespectful both to myself and my girlfriend, who has repeatedly assured me that she is saving herself for Dan Carter.
:lol:
This is actually mostly true. My wife follows Carter on Facebook, puts love hearts on all his posts (There's one he's put up recently of his kids bowing to their new Japanese tennis coach).

I was kind of OK with all this till he basically moved in just down the road from us in Kobe.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 6:07 am
by Waka Nathan
FujiKiwi wrote:
naki wrote:
Lomax is as kiwi as pavlova. Was only born in Australia as his kiwi Dad (who was literally a Kiwi) was playing pro sport there at the time, grew up in NZ, has a kiwi accent, and is Maori. He's a much less problematic cap than, say, Alaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatoa.
Yep, but is he any good? Should he not make the ABs, he might be tempted back into throwing in his lot back in with the Aussies. By capping him now, we prevent that.
Lomax would be among the most improved NZ players in 2018. As a tall prop, his scrum technique has to be spot on--it wasn't to begin with, but now it's pretty good. His workrate and willingness to get stuck into the hard stuff shows he's developing plenty of confidence. Plenty of upside to this guy.

Alaalatoa, on the other hand, is a big soft journeyman. He has as much chance of a chance of an AB cap as I have.

Re: So this 51 man mega-squad the AB's are taking to Japan?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 8:32 am
by Ali's Choice
Waka Nathan wrote:
FujiKiwi wrote:
naki wrote:
Lomax is as kiwi as pavlova. Was only born in Australia as his kiwi Dad (who was literally a Kiwi) was playing pro sport there at the time, grew up in NZ, has a kiwi accent, and is Maori. He's a much less problematic cap than, say, Alaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatoa.
Yep, but is he any good? Should he not make the ABs, he might be tempted back into throwing in his lot back in with the Aussies. By capping him now, we prevent that.
Lomax would be among the most improved NZ players in 2018. As a tall prop, his scrum technique has to be spot on--it wasn't to begin with, but now it's pretty good. His workrate and willingness to get stuck into the hard stuff shows he's developing plenty of confidence. Plenty of upside to this guy.

Alaalatoa, on the other hand, is a big soft journeyman. He has as much chance of a chance of an AB cap as I have.

Too rancid mate. If you want to effectively troll Crusaders fans you'll need to tone it down a bit. Remember, when it comes to trolling less is more.